Deadlines for Academic Progress
Below are the deadlines for completing your degree requirements in time so that you can participate in the commencement ceremony, get your name included in the commencement bulletin, and receive your diploma in the desired term.
If you miss the final exam and ETD-approval deadlines, you will need complete the Start of Semester Defense Exception Request for the following semester. Once approved, the Graduate School will enroll you in one credit of Start-of-Semester Defense Exception and award your degree or certificate for the new semester.
Summer graduates are welcome to participate in the fall commencement ceremony.
Summer 2024
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
- Final Exam: Aug. 9
- Submit ETD: Aug. 23
2024-25 Deadlines
Fall
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1
- Final Exam: Dec. 18
- Commencement: Dec. 20
- Submit ETD: Jan. 10
Spring
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1
- Final Exam: May 14
- Commencement: May 14
- Submit ETD: May 28
Summer
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
- Final Exam: Aug. 15
- Submit ETD: Aug. 29
Deadlines for Participating in Commencement
Fall
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1
- PhD/EdD Final exam card to Graduate School if participating in ceremony: Dec. 13
- Last Day to Defend for current semester: Dec. 18
- Commencement: Dec. 20
- Submit ETD: Jan. 10
Spring
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1
- PhD/EdD Final exam card to Graduate School if participating in ceremony: May 7
- Last Day to Defend for current semester: May 14
- Commencement: May 14
- Submit ETD: May 28
Summer
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
- Final Exam: Aug. 15
- Submit ETD: Aug. 29
Deadlines if you choose not to participate in commencement
Fall
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1
- Final Exam: Dec. 18
- Submit ETD: Jan. 10
Spring
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1
- Final Exam: May 8
- Submit ETD: May 24
Summer
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
- Final Exam: Aug. 9
- Submit ETD: Aug. 23
Fall
- Apply for certificate conferral: Nov. 1
Spring
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1
Summer
- Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
Participation in Commencement
All graduate degree candidates must confirm their plans to attend Commencement by December 1 for the fall ceremony and May 1 for the spring ceremony. Direct questions pertaining to eligibility to participate to the Graduate School at 540-231-8636.
The Fall 2024 commencement ceremony in Blacksburg will be on Friday, December 20. The Spring 2025 Blacksburg commencement ceremony will be on Wednesday, May 14. The Spring 2025 commencement ceremony in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area will be on Sunday, May 18.
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